South African Engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham Released from Custody in Equatorial Guinea
Pretoria – Engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, who had been held in Equatorial Guinea since February 2023, have finally been released.
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the South African government expressed its relief in an official statement, highlighting that this development was due to “the President of Equatorial Guinea granting clemency.”
The two South African nationals were arrested on February 9, 2023, facing charges of drug trafficking, with a possible 12-year prison sentence looming over them.
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The statement expressed profound gratitude, saying: “South Africa sincerely thanks the government of Equatorial Guinea for their generosity in issuing this Presidential pardon, allowing Mr. Huxham and Mr. Potgieter to reunite with their families.”
“Since their arrest, the South African government has been actively engaging in diplomatic efforts, appointing Special Envoys to advocate for their humane release.
“In these discussions, the government highlighted the importance of compassion, focusing on the humanitarian aspects and the emotional distress faced by the families involved.”
The families of Frik and Peter suspected that their detention was tied to political strains between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.
While employed by a global oil and gas firm in Equatorial Guinea, the engineers were detained under questionable drug-related accusations, shortly after South Africa seized a luxury yacht belonging to Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, commonly known as Teddy.
Additionally, South Africa confiscated two prime properties owned by Teddy in Cape Town.
These assets were taken following a court decision in South Africa on an unrelated matter, separate from Frik and Peter’s situation.
“The collaborative efforts among the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the families of the engineers, and their employer, SBM Offshore, were crucial in achieving their release,” the statement continued.
“The South African government acknowledges the complexities surrounding this case, which involves intricate diplomatic and legal challenges.”
The statement also emphasized the ongoing consular support from the government of Equatorial Guinea and the sustained diplomatic communication maintained throughout this arduous period.
It concluded by reaffirming South Africa’s dedication to improving bilateral relations with Equatorial Guinea, fostering dialogue, mutual respect, and addressing challenges through diplomatic means.
